Aurora man charged with DUI in ‘horrific’ crash

An Aurora man was drunk and may have been drag racing when he caused a crash that seriously injured a 21-year-old woman Saturday morning, authorities said Monday.

Andrew Rascoe, 23, of the 1200 block of Arrowwood Court, was ordered held on $500,000 bail on charges of aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, operating an uninsured vehicle, and driving on a revoked license.

Authorities said Rascoe was traveling about 75 mph on eastbound Route 34 in Aurora at 7:47 a.m. Saturday when a vehicle in front of him slowed. Police said Rascoe swerved his 2004 Chevy Impala around the other vehicle, jumped a curb on the south side of the roadway, and slammed into the driver’s side of a 2001 Toyota Camry exiting a gas station at Eola Road.

“There are allegations he may have been drag racing,” Assistant DuPage County State’s Attorney Deb Brewer said in bond court Monday.

Authorities had to use the Jaws of Life to free the driver, a 21-year-old Aurora woman, from the wreckage of the vehicle that was struck. A 15-year-old boy riding in the same car was not hurt, police said.

The victim, whose identity was not released, was being treated for multiple injuries, including a skull fracture, a broken spine and bleeding on the brain, Brewer said. The victim also was experiencing blurred vision and hearing loss in her left ear, she said.

“It was a horrific accident,” Brewer said. “Initially, they didn’t think she was going to make it. As of now, she is conscious.”

Brewer said Rascoe gave blood and breath samples registering a blood-alcohol level of .203, more than twice the legal threshold. Aurora Police Lt. Pete Inda said whether the defendant was racing another vehicle remains under investigation.

“We heard at the scene that that may have been going on,” he said. “We haven’t located any evidence of drag racing. At this point, we’re trying to track down witnesses.”

In court Monday, Rascoe identified himself as a member of the Army Reserves and said he is training to become a police officer.

Judge Karen Wilson set bail at $500,000 and ordered Rascoe to wear an electronic device to alert authorities if he consumes any alcohol should he post the necessary $50,000 to bond out of jail.

Police said anyone who witnessed the crash should call (630) 256-5000 and ask for the traffic division.